Definition of Ab Intestato

Lat. In the civil law. From an intestate; from the intestate; in case of intestacy. Hœreditas ab intestato, an inheritance derived from an intestate. Inst 2, 9, 6. Successio ab intestato, succession to an intestate or in case of intestacy. Id. 3, 2, 3; Dig. 38, 6, 1. This answers to the descent or iuberitance of real estate at common law. 2 Bl. Comm. 490, 516; Story, Confl. Laws, § 480. "Heir ab intestato." 1 Burr. 420. The phrase "ab intestato" is generally used as the opposite or alternative of ex testamento, (from, by or under a will.) Vel ex testamento, vel ab intestato [7iæred-itates] pertinent,—inheritances are derived either from a will or from an intestate, (one who dies without a will.) Inst. 2, 9, 6; Dig. 29, 4; Cod. 6, 14, 2.